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Water Fluoridation Data & Statistics

The number of communities and people who benefit from water fluoridation is continuing to grow. This effective public health intervention was initiated in the United States in 1945. In 2012, 74.6% of the U.S. population on public water systems, or a total of 210,655,401 people, had access to fluoridated water.

CDC monitors the progress of the nation and individual states toward meeting theHealthy People 2020objective on community water fluoridation—that 79.6% of people on public water systems will receive water that has the optimum level of fluoride recommended for preventing tooth decay.

Data Summaries

2012 Statistics for Water Fluoridation Status These statistics were prepared using water system data reported by states to the CDC Water Fluoridation Reporting System as of December 31, 2012, and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates from 2012.

2010 Statistics for Water Fluoridation Status These statistics were prepared using water system data reported by states to the CDC Water Fluoridation Reporting System as of December 31, 2010, and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates from 2010

Reference Statistics for Water Fluoridation Status The U.S. Public Health Service has reported water fluoridation statistics periodically since 1956. The Water Fluoridation Census (Census) was published periodically from 1963 through 1992 and reported data compiled from the EPA, U.S. Census Bureau, and surveys of state drinking water and oral health programs. Data are also available on this page for the years 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010.

Calculating Fluoridation Statistics This fact sheet describes the methodology used by state drinking water programs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and CDC to estimate the number of people served by water systems, the number of people receiving fluoridated water, and the Healthy People objective for water fluoridation.

Resources

Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS)WFRS is a water fluoridation monitoring data system for state and tribal water fluoridation program managers and oral health program directors or managers. Data from WFRS are summarized in the biennial report of national and state fluoridation statistics.

National Oral Health Surveillance System (NOHSS)NOHSS provides national and state statistics on water fluoridation for 1992, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006. This information is available in tables, graphs, maps, and state profiles. Long-term trends in national water fluoridation statistics are also presented in a graph and table.